Sarah Lawrence College has transitioned from Digital Commons to a new platform, SLC Scholarly Works, our institutional repository.
SLC Scholarly Works provides a permanent, open-access home for the scholarly and creative output of our community. Here you’ll find faculty publications, student theses, and other works that highlight the breadth of research and creativity at Sarah Lawrence.
FAQs for Students Submitting a Thesis to SLC Scholarly Works
Who can submit a master’s thesis?
SLC Scholarly Works accepts:
- Master’s theses
- Undergraduate senior theses and capstone projects
- Other select scholarly and creative works completed by Sarah Lawrence students, staff, and faculty
Who will see my thesis submission?
When you submit your thesis, a metadata record is created automatically. This record exists regardless of the access level you select.
The metadata record displays:
- Author (your name)
- Title of your thesis
- Date Issued (year the degree was awarded)
Access to the uploaded file depends on the option you select in the Access Settings / Embargo section during submission.
What access options can I choose?
During submission, you will be asked to select an access level for your thesis file.
Open Access
The thesis file is publicly available and discoverable via Google and other search engines. This option supports the sharing of scholarly and creative work produced at Sarah Lawrence College.Your thesis is an important and authentic source of information. We highly encourage you to select this option in the interest of growing the world’s knowledge base.
Restricted for one year; then Open Access
The thesis file is under embargo for one year from the date of submission. After one year, the file is automatically released as Open Access.
Restricted for two years; then Open Access
The thesis file is under embargo for two years from the date of submission. After two years, the file is automatically released as Open Access.
Closed Access
The thesis file is not available online. A digital preservation copy is retained by the College Archives. Access to the file requires written permission from you, the Author.
Access restricted to SLC only
The thesis file is available only to users on the Sarah Lawrence College campus (via IP address) and to current SLC community members with a valid MySLC login.
Important note for MFA Writing Program theses:
All MFA Writing Program theses are Closed Access by default.
What are keywords? (Keywords field)
During submission, you may enter up to six (6) keywords or phrases in the Keywords field. Keywords should be separated by commas.
Keywords improve discovery and indexing of your thesis. Consider including:
- Topics, themes, or methods
- Geographic locations
- Scientific or technical terms
Avoid repeating words already included in the Title or Abstract fields.
What does it mean if my thesis is under embargo? (Embargo / Access Settings)
If you select a delayed access option, your thesis file is considered under embargo until the embargo period expires.
While under embargo:
- The thesis file is not accessible
- The metadata record (Author, Title, Date Issued) remains visible
Once the embargo period ends, access updates automatically according to your selected option.
When will my thesis appear in ScholarlyWorks?
After you complete submission, please allow up to four (4) weeks for staff to review and post your thesis.
You will receive an email at your Sarah Lawrence email address once your submission is approved.
- If Open Access was selected, the file will be available to view and download
- If access is restricted, only the metadata record will be visible until restrictions expire
What file types can I upload? (File Upload)
- Most master’s theses are submitted as a PDF
- Many media file types are also supported
- Please label the file in the following format:
“authorlastname_authorfirstname_2018.pdf”
If you encounter problems uploading a file, please contact scholarlyworks@sarahlawrence.edu for assistance.
Who do I contact with questions?
For help with any issues related to SLC Scholarly Works institutional repository including submitting files, access settings, or technical issue please contact:
scholarlyworks@sarahlawrence.edu